Saudi women empowerment conference to focus on 7 themes

Prof. Ahmed Salim Al-Amiri said the royal approval to organize this conference reflected the interest and support of the Kingdom’s leadership for Saudi women. (Supplied)
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Updated 21 October 2021
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Saudi women empowerment conference to focus on 7 themes

  • Imam Mohammad bin Saud Islamic University will host the 2-day event, which will bring together more than 60 experts and ministers

RIYADH: Imam Mohammad bin Saud Islamic University will hold a two-day conference to shed light on how Saudi Arabia has helped empower women through national reforms, government policies, and private initiatives.
The conference, which will be held on Nov. 22-23, will bring together more than 60 experts, ministers, and Saudi universities. It will explore seven themes and indicators of women empowerment in local and international organizations.
Prof. Nouf bint Abd Al-Aly Al-Ajmi, the vice-rector of Female Student Affairs, who is also the head of the organizing committee, told Arab News that many prominent female figures will participate in the conference.
“Saudi women have taken great strides towards empowerment, thanks to the legislation and laws issued to enhance women’s position and protect their social and personal rights and ensure their participation as decision-makers,” Al-Ajmi said.
The themes will focus on legislative reforms in the era of King Salman and how they have helped meet the demands and needs of women towards more vital social participation.
There will be an emphasis on national identity and citizenship through women’s empowerment in education and training.
The rector of the Imam Mohammad bin Saud Islamic University, Prof. Ahmed Salim Al-Amiri, said the royal approval to organize this conference reflected the interest and support of the Kingdom’s leadership for Saudi women.
“Saudi women have enjoyed many rights while many historic and key decisions were issued to enhance women’s role in society and empower them to be an active partner in national development,” Al-Amiri said.
The rector said various governmental and non-governmental sectors will participate in the event, including Saudi universities, to explore women’s empowerment on different levels.
The conference will also focus on government projects and initiatives that support the empowerment of Saudi women, key indicators of women’s empowerment, and new functional areas.
The successes and achievements of women in the era of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques will also be highlighted.


Ithra will bring Spain to life for 2-week cultural celebration

Updated 08 January 2026
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Ithra will bring Spain to life for 2-week cultural celebration

  • Ithra Cultural Days will unfold across the plaza, museum, theater, lush garden, library, idea lab, cinema, children’s museum, energy exhibit and Ithra tower

DHAHRAN: Visitors to the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) can enjoy a taste of Spanish culture from Jan. 12-31.

Under the banner “Live Spain,” spaces at Ithra will be transformed to give a glimpse of life in this vibrant European country.

Ithra Cultural Days will unfold across the plaza, museum, theater, lush garden, library, idea lab, cinema, children’s museum, energy exhibit and Ithra tower, with exhibitions dedicated to Spanish photography, fashion and sports. There will also be Spanish cuisine and interactive installations exploring historical and linguistic connections between Arab and Spanish traditions.

There will be live performances across various stages, with a production of “Carmen” among the highlights.

“Cultural exchange is a core part of Ithra’s approach to programming. Celebrating Spain’s culture and history reflects this focus, particularly as this year’s Cultural Days take on a distinctive character by exploring Spain’s cultural heritage,” Noura Alzamil, program manager at Ithra, said.

“Visitors to Ithra will experience an exciting program in every sense, given the scale and variety of events designed to appeal to all tastes and interests.”

Cinema showings will feature Spanish short and feature films, accompanied by post-screening discussions to provide additional cultural context, while talks and sessions in the idea lab and library will explore architecture, literature and creative practice.

Hands-on workshops will invite visitors to engage directly with Spanish crafts and creative traditions, from visual arts and design to food-related practices.

A dedicated program for children and youth will run alongside with storytelling, creative workshops and performances among the attractions. Food and market experiences in Ithra’s public spaces will reflect the important social role played in the country by food.

Ithra Cultural Days present international cultures through immersive, public-facing experiences. This year’s focus on Spain follows the success of last year’s Japan edition, which welcomed more than 200,000 visitors in just two weeks.